Ric Flair Crowns Ricky Steamboat the Greatest Babyface Ever
Ric Flair, a legend whose career is interwoven with some of wrestling’s moast iconic figures, recently shared a profound respect for a particular rival: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. Flair pinpointed Steamboat as arguably the greatest babyface – the good guy – in professional wrestling history.This declaration comes from a man who has faced countless opponents in the ring, making his assessment particularly noteworthy.
Flair highlighted a unique chemistry he shared with Steamboat, a connection that transcended typical pre-match planning. He explained they rarely discussed strategy beforehand, rather relying on a mutual trust and understanding to deliver captivating performances.This intuitive collaboration set their matches apart.
He contrasted Steamboat with other notable rivals like Sting, Lex Luger, and Harley Race, emphasizing that the connection with Steamboat was diffrent. Flair noted Steamboat’s inherent goodness, stating, “Ricky? There’s nothing bad about Ricky Steamboat. just the nicest guy in the world.”
Their trilogy of matches is legendary among wrestling fans,but Flair specifically pointed to their clash at the WCW Chi-Town Rumble as a defining moment. He believes this match established the incredible potential of their rivalry.
Flair vividly recalled the physicality of the bout, noting they wrestled non-stop for thirty minutes.He appreciated Steamboat’s willingness to absorb punishment, allowing Flair to deliver impactful offense. I’ve found that this level of trust is rare and crucial for truly memorable matches.
He considers the Chi-Town Rumble his personal favorite, even suggesting it could be considered one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. While acknowledging Shawn Michaels as another contender for the title of greatest babyface, Flair emphasized Michaels’ versatility, noting his ability to excel as a heel – a villain – as well.
Ultimately, Flair’s enduring admiration for Steamboat speaks volumes.It’s a testament to a shared artistry and a mutual respect that elevated both men’s careers and left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest rivalries are built on a foundation of trust and genuine connection.
